Best time to travel to Cape Cod, MA

Whale Watching in Cape Cod, MA

A historical place for whale and marine animal watching

Best time: mid-April–late October

Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
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Once an old hunting harbor, Cape Cod nowadays is a responsible whale-watching destination. Here, whales are respected and treated nicely. The observation of these beautiful giants is safe for both tourists and whales.

The prominent celebrities of Cape Cod are humpback whales. Thousands of tourists come every year to see them during their migration period. Along with whales, about 450 species of other animals live in Cape Cod Bay, including marine inhabitants like seals, crabs, turtles, dolphins, and waterfowl.

Cape Cod Bay is an ideal place for whales to migrate between April and September. Two main harbors in the bay, Provincetown and Barnstable, are where all the tours start. The largest operators in this area include Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, Sea Salt Charters, Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown, and Captain John Whale Watching and Fishing Tours.

Practical info

When is the best time to go whale watching in Cape Cod, MA?

From mid-April to late October, tourists can catch a glimpse of the migrating whales in Cape Cod Bay. Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, Sea Salt Charters, Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown, and Captain John Whale Watching and Fishing Tours offer whale watching tours throughout this timeframe. Tours are usually crowded in July and August when temperatures are at their highest. Show more

Where are the main harbors to start a whale watching tour?

Provincetown and Barnstable are the main harbors tourists can start a whale watching tour from in Cape Cod Bay. Major companies like Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, Sea Salt Charters, Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown, and Captain John Whale Watching and Fishing Tours operate in these harbors. Tourists can reach Barnstable Harbour from Boston in approximately two hours, while Provincetown is located at the tip of the peninsula. Show more

How long does a typical whale watching tour last?

Tourists can take part in a 3 to 4-hour whale-watching tour in Cape Cod Bay, which typically covers an area of up to 30 miles. Both the tour lengths and sights may vary, depending on the operator. There are various tour packages on offer, including private charters, shared charters, and combo tours. Additionally, fishing trips and birdwatching tours are included in combo tours. Show more

What types of whales can be seen in Cape Cod Bay besides humpback whales?

Aside from humpback whales, tourists can spot other whale species in Cape Cod Bay, including fin whales, minke whales, pilot whales, and North Atlantic right whales. Cape Cod Bay is one of the major habitats for the North Atlantic right whale, one of the most endangered whale species. Tourists might also see other marine life, like seals, crabs, turtles, dolphins, and waterfowl on the whale-watching tours. Show more

What safety precautions are taken on whale watching tours to protect both tourists and whales?

Tour operators in Cape Cod have strict safety measures in place to protect both tourists and whales during whale-watching tours. Naturalists on board educate passengers on whale behavior and the protocols to follow. Boat operators and passengers are required to maintain a safe distance from the whales and their behavior determines the duration of whale-watching. The tour boat operators also avoid fishing areas, and they are required to adhere to whale protection laws. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin